The Northwood Academy Chargers will look to defend their home field on Friday against the Pinewood Prep Panthers at 7:30 p.m. Both teams might be coming in a bit winded given how much these teams ran in their prior games.
Last Thursday, Northwood Academy and Pee Dee Academy were almost perfectly matched up, but Northwood Academy suffered an agonizing 31-30 loss. Northwood Academy gained 104 more yards on the day, but it was Pee Dee Academy that made the best of use of them.
Despite their defeat, Northwood Academy saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Austyn Grady, who threw for 383 yards and a touchdown, was perhaps the best of all. Kaven Ford was another key contributor, rushing for 58 yards and two touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Pinewood Prep entered their tilt with Thomas Heyward Academy with five consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with six. Pinewood Prep breezed by Thomas Heyward Academy at home to the tune of 56-20. The result was nothing new for Pinewood Prep, who have now won six games by 20 points or more so far this season.
Pinewood Prep's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Will Watson, who rushed for 86 yards and a touchdown on only 11 carries, and also threw for 144 yards and two touchdowns while completing 71.4% of his passes. Another player making a difference was Asa Windham, who rushed for 55 yards and a touchdown.
Northwood Academy's loss dropped their record down to 6-3. As for Pinewood Prep, their victory was their sixth straight at home, bumping their overall record up to 6-3.
Friday's matchup might be decided on the ground as these two are both standouts in the run game. Northwood Academy has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 181.3 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Pinewood Prep struggles in that department as they've been even better at 221.8 per game. It's looking like Friday's match might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Northwood Academy took a serious blow against Pinewood Prep in their previous meeting back in October of 2022, falling 35-0. Will Northwood Academy have more luck at home instead of on the road?
